The changing ISM of massive elliptical galaxies and cosmic evolution of radio galaxies and quasars

Details The changing ISM of massive elliptical galaxies and cosmic evolution of radio galaxies and quasars The changing ISM of massive elliptical galaxies and cosmic evolution of radio galaxies and quasars

2009-04-04

arxiv.org/abs/0904.0712v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

9 pages, 4 figures, accepted in MNRAS

Scientific paper

The recently discovered apparent dramatic expansion in the effective radii of massive elliptical galaxies from $z \simeq 2$ to $z \simeq 0.1$ has been interpreted in terms of either galaxy mergers or the rapid loss of cold gas due to AGN feedback. In examining the latter case we have quantified the extent of the expansion, which is uncertain observationally, in terms of the star formation parameters and time of the expulsion of the cold gas. In either case, the large global decrease in stellar density should translate into a major drop in the ISM density and pressure, and a much steeper radial decline in those quantities with cosmic epoch. These cosmological changes are expected to have a major influence on the gas accretion mode, which will shift from `cold' thin disk accretion at high redshifts toward `hot' Bondi fed ADAF accretion at low redshifts. The decline of angular momentum inflow would then lead to a spin down of the black hole, for which we have calculated more precise time scales; a value of about 0.2 Gyr is typical for a $10^9 M_\odot$ central black hole. These results have implications for the different cosmological evolutionary patterns found for the luminosity functions of powerful and weak radio galaxies.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The changing ISM of massive elliptical galaxies and cosmic evolution of radio galaxies and quasars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The changing ISM of massive elliptical galaxies and cosmic evolution of radio galaxies and quasars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The changing ISM of massive elliptical galaxies and cosmic evolution of radio galaxies and quasars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-123247